This demand is particularly strong in Asia, South America and Africa. Urbanization in these continents means that there is an increasing demand for locally produced food. For example, Guangzhou (China, 45 million inhabitants), São Paulo (Brazil, 22 million inhabitants) and Lagos (Nigeria, 18 million inhabitants) are in the top 20 of the largest metropolises in the world. All these mouths need to be fed, but the import of food is expensive and money is not abundant. The population is also growing fast in these areas, which makes the need even greater.
But also in Europe, it seems that due to the consequences of COVID-19, the demand for locally produced food has increased. Due to all the restrictions, the import and export of food has come under pressure. Many countries have made money available to produce local food. “In many countries the realization has come that things have to change. We now see that we are receiving more and more applications from countries where the government, both locally and nationally, is involved in financing greenhouse horticulture projects. It is up to us to bring Dutch knowledge and skills to these countries. We will ensure that you can produce locally, “said Olaf Mos, Sales Director at Gakon.